The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced it is seeking proposals to support activities related to the adoption and implementation of the most current building energy codes. Proposals must address activities—such as training activities or activities that advance the state’s level of compliance with state building codes—to adopt the target codes, including ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2007, Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings. States are allowed to partner with technical and other organizations, such as the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), and consultants in their proposals.

As of June 2010, the building codes of 14 states and four territories do not meet the requirements in Standard 90.1-2007.

A total of $5 million is available to be awarded for up to 20 states (only one award per state). Award sizes will vary, with a maximum of $250,000 available for each.

“To encourage energy conservation in buildings, we must always strive toward higher efficiencies,” ASHRAE President Lynn G. Bellenger said. “Later this year, ASHRAE and IES will release the 2010 version of Standard 90.1. The revised version implements a significant reduction in energy consumption over the 2004 standard.”

States are encouraged to express initial interest by contacting Bryan Colley at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory: bryan.colley@pnl.gov or 509-375-2585.